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A beautiful smile can be a huge confidence booster. But several dental issues can stop you from having a bright smile. If you have gaps in between your teeth or if your teeth are stained, chipped or cracked, do not fret, our dentist near you can help rectify such issues using veneers.

Dental veneers in Portland are an effective and quick way to a gorgeous smile. Before you get excited, it is best if you know that getting veneers is a one-way street, there is no coming back.

Therefore, getting veneers is a big decision that needs you to have all the facts with you before you leap.

Without further ado, let’s look at what they are as you decide on coming to our Portland dentistry for dental veneers.

Dental Veneers 101

Dental veneers in Portland are tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are permanently fixed on your teeth by our Portland dentist.

These thin, customized shells are designed to look and function like your teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers are designed to fit over the front surface instead of covering the whole tooth.

Veneers are narrow at the base where they fit on the gums, and they are wider at the biting end. Typically, our dentist in Portland will customize them to match the shape, color, and contour of your teeth.

Veneers are designed to blend in with your teeth, so this is why they are wafer-thin to allow them to bond to your teeth without adding the bulk.

What Issues Do Veneers Rectify?

If you have any of the following dental problems, you might benefit from dental veneers:

• Worn-down teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Irregular shaped or uneven teeth
• Broken and chipped teeth
• Gaps in between teeth

Types of Veneers

There are different types of veneers that you can choose from depending on your preferences. Here they are:

• Composite Resin Veneers

Composite veneers are a relatively cheap restoration that can be fixed in a single visit. They are made out of plastic. They are less wear-resistant than porcelain veneers. When attaching the veneers, less tooth enamel is removed to accommodate them as compared to porcelain veneers.

If they get chipped or damaged, our dentist can quickly repair them.

• Porcelain Veneers

These veneers are almost everyone’s favorite. Porcelain veneers are made from top-notch hardened ceramic. For you to use them, they have to be customized to match your specifications. Hence, the reason as to why you have to wait for an average of two visits before you can get them fixed.

They are slightly more expensive than composite veneers, but they are worth every dollar. This is because they are natural-looking and match the rest of your teeth. They are very durable and can last up to 20 years.
Another plus is that they do not stain easily as compared to composite veneers.

• Lumineer Veneers

Lumineer veneers are made from a patented material known as Cerinate®. These non-prep veneers are thin and very durable, which means that they can last up to 20 years.

In many ways, they are similar to porcelain veneers, but the only difference is that the process is reversible. This means that it gives you the option to remove them anytime you want if you ever change your mind.

The process is reversible since they are ultra-thin, which means that there will be no need to remove your enamel. If the need arises, then very little enamel will be removed.

Palatal Veneers

Palatal veneers are different from the other veneers because they are fixed on the inside surfaces of your teeth. The reason as to why they are placed on the palatal side of your teeth is to strengthen them.

They can be made from gold and other materials. People choose to get palatal veneers to protect the back of their teeth from being eroded. At times they are used to protect sensitive, worn-down, or delicate teeth from further damage.

Benefits

Veneers have excellent benefits; here are some of them:

• They are natural-looking, which means that they resemble your teeth
• They give you a permanently white smile since they do not require bleaching to whiten them
• They rectify cosmetic dental issues with minimal intrusion
• They do not need any special maintenance procedures. Just brush twice daily and floss at least once a day and you are good to go.

Dental veneers in Portland can help solve some of the cosmetic issues that have been deterring you from having a beautiful smile. If you need veneers, contact us today, our dentist at Laurelhurst Dentistry would love to transform your smile.

Dental cavities or decay are common affecting both children and adults alike. Cavities are triggered by acid-producing bacteria that accumulate around the teeth and gums. The bacteria cause the formation of a sticky film commonly called plaques. Without proper hygiene, regular dental checkups and cleaning, the plaque can harden and form tartar, which not only causes cavities but also gum disease.

Another important element to maintaining healthy teeth and gums is fluoride. This is a naturally occurring mineral that adds a layer of protection to your teeth.

Why Is Fluoride Important?

Every day the teeth go through two processes: demineralization and reabsorption of the minerals. Demineralization is the loss mineral such as calcium and phosphate that are crucial to the health of the enamel. These two processes must be balanced to protect the teeth. However, when the reabsorption of the minerals does not occur, the enamel becomes weaker and prone to cavities.

Fluoride helps in the reabsorption process, thereby strengthening the enamel. Additionally, it acts as a protective shield against cavities.

When Is Fluoride Treatment Needed?

Although fluoride treatment is recommended for your daily oral hygiene, several conditions also warrant the use of the treatment.

• Dry mouth. Xerostomia is caused by certain medications, radiation, and Sjogren’s syndrome which affect saliva production. Saliva helps in cleaning the teeth and removing the food particles. Lack of saliva increases the risk of developing dental cavities.
• Gum disease. Tartar accumulation leads to gum inflammation and infection that in turn causes the gingivae to recede and expose the roots. This increases your risk of cavities.
• The presence of dental restorations such as crowns or bridges also put your teeth at risk of cavities. The tiny spaces between your teeth and the bridges can cause bacteria to sneak in and multiply.

What Forms of Fluoride Treatments Available?

Two forms of fluoride dental treatments are available: topical and systemic and both are effective in strengthening your teeth.

Systemic fluoride treatments are swallowed and include fluoridated water and dietary supplements.

Topical fluoride treatments are applied on the surface of the teeth and come in different types including toothpaste and mouth rinses. However, the most effective option is the fluoride treatment that is done at the dental office.

Professional fluoride treatments in Portland take a few minutes. The dentist will apply a solution gel, varnish, or foam on the teeth surface. Avoid eating or drinking after the treatment to allow the enamel to absorb the fluoride.

The frequency of the fluoride treatment will depend on your oral health status but is usually done every three, six, or 12 months. The dentist may also recommend other preventive dentistry in Portland to enhance your oral health.

For effective results, you need both topical and systemic fluoride treatments.

Are There Any Side Effects of Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is safe, however, if used in excess it can lead to side effects such as:

• Tooth discoloration is the common side effect of fluoride overdose. The mineral can cause the formation of white specks on the teeth.
• Skin irritation and allergies can also occur
• Dense, but weak bones
• Acute toxicity is mostly triggered by overconsumption of fluoride supplements. Toxicity causes nausea, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and tiredness.

Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?

Children between six months and 16 years also need fluoride because this is the time when the teeth (primary and permanent) emerge and both need proper dental care. There are, however, guidelines on fluoride use for children that must be followed to prevent an overdose.

The American Dental Association recommends fluoride varnish for children under six years old. Children tend to swallow the foam and gel which can increase the risk of an overdose.

Furthermore, avoid the use of fluoride toothpaste for children under two years. Don’t forget to supervise the children when they are brushing to ensure they do it correctly and remove plaque buildup.

Make an Appointment

If you are seeking Portland dentistry for fluoride treatment, visit Laurelhurst Dentistry. We also have other preventive dental treatments such as dental cleaning that are guaranteed to improve your oral health.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

A healthy, white smile is easier and less expensive to achieve than you might expect with the help of the dentists at Laurelhurst Dentistry. Good daily oral hygiene habits combined with the teeth whitening method of your choice can keep your smile looking strong and bright. Consistent and effective dental habits go a long way toward maintaining whiter teeth.

Teeth may become discolored for many reasons. Food and drinks that can stain a white colored t-shirt, can stain our tooth enamel. Snacks and meals high in sugar and carbohydrates encourage bacteria that produce acid that harm our teeth reducing luster and brightness. Excessive wear on the enamel of our teeth and recession of our gum tissue also cause teeth to appear more yellow or brown. Fortunately, the knowledgeable staff at Laurelhurst Dentistry can help you find a practical, successful way to recreate your bright smile!

Teeth Whitening at Home

Teeth whitening is done by applying a bleaching agent to the surfaces of your teeth. The best equation for whiter teeth is consistent use over a long period of time to produce the results you want. If you want to spend less than $100, there are many teeth whitening agents available in retail stores. These options range from strips that adhere to your teeth as well as non-customized mouth trays filled with a low concentration bleaching agent. These teeth whiteners are safe to use at home and don’t require a dentist’s supervision. They also require more consistent use and a longer duration of time to be effective.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening that’s done by Laurelhurst Dentistry is the fastest, easiest and most convenient way to whiten your teeth. Using professional equipment, your dentist can help whiten your teeth up to ten shades in about an hour. While more expensive, this is the most effective, fast, and convenient way to whiten your teeth. A less expensive option involves customized mouth trays and a dentist’s supervision. In a little over a week, your teeth could be up to ten shades whiter using these materials provided by your dentist near you at Laurelhurst Dentistry.

No matter which option you choose, the reward will be a smile that’s white and bright!

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

kid child dentist appointment cavity laurelhurst dentistryDental cavities can be prevented with good basic oral hygiene performed on a consistent basis as well as regular visits to Laurelhurst Dentistry. Although this routine sounds simple, our mouths are a lot more complicated than we might think.

How Cavities are Created

Our teeth are constantly being covered with a sticky film of bacteria, a biofilm called plaque. As a matter of fact, these unrelenting and organized bacteria reattach immediately after brushing and flossing. When we eat or drink anything that contains sugar or starch, there is a pH change within our mouth. The bacteria utilize the sugars and starches in our diet as their food, and in turn release an acidic by-product that can soften or demineralize tooth surfaces. For some, this pH change and acid attack can result in tooth decay. There is a higher risk of tooth decay with repeated, prolonged pH changes and high levels of bacteria in our mouths.

Detecting Cavities Early

A white spot might appear on the tooth indicating an area weakened by decay. This preliminary stage of tooth decay may also be seen in a digital x-ray or a visual examination. Without proper treatment, this weakening can proceed through the hard outer enamel and into the softer inner layer of tooth structure that is called dentin. A cavity can proceed through this layer more quickly and aim toward the nerve of the tooth.

It is the goal of Laurelhurst Dentistry to identify and treat early forming cavities in order to minimize the loss of tooth structure, the chances for root canal therapy, or loss of teeth.

How to Fight Cavities

The good news is that there are very effective methods to reduce your risk of tooth decay. Good daily oral hygiene habits aid to decrease the chances of forming cavities. These habits include brushing your teeth with a fluoride containing toothpaste for two minutes, two times per day. Flossing is advised every 24 hours, reaching the areas in between the teeth where the most aggressive bacteria reside. These habits encourage healthy teeth and gums by reducing bacteria and food debris, and increasing circulation to the gum tissues.Minimizing frequent snacking and consumption of sugary drinks can also reduce your risk of getting a cavity.

Laurelhurst Dentistry can also prescribe prescription toothpastes containing higher levels of fluoride, calcium and phosphate and apply a topical fluoride varnish treatment with your hygiene therapy appointment to strengthen and remineralize tooth surfaces. Eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, and being consistent with your dental care at Laurelhurst Dentistry are great ways to aid in the prevention of cavities.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

Hear at Laurelhurst Dentistry, we get a lot of great questions from patients. Some of our patients ask about blood sugar.

Your health is important to us, and we believe that good health is all about balance and harmony. This is true especially when it comes to balancing your blood sugar.

It is necessary to eat the correct ratio of protein, carbohydrates and even fat at every meal. This can help stabilize your blood sugar and help you stay fit, and more balanced in life. But what about blood sugar and your smile.

The food you eat is important and it affects your overall health including your oral health, what you put in your mouth makes a difference.

You can balance your blood sugar by eating specific foods. We put together a list of foods that are good for your teeth and regulating your blood sugar.

Nuts

Eating almonds, walnuts or pistachios can help you stay healthy and fit. It is a satisfying crunch, and it keeps your blood sugar stable. This is because nuts are great source of fiber and protein. They have healthy fat, which means nuts are good for your teeth because of the protein. They can help build strong muscles and bones.

Whole-grain

Much like protein, whole-grain can help you have sustained energy and it will protect you from having a low in energy. You can avoid blood sugar crashes, it was stabilized and balance you throughout the day.

Many whole grains are loaded with fiber which is good for you

Beans

Garbanzo beans, hummus and lentils are higher in fiber and low in fat. Which makes them a great source of protein and they can help regulate your blood sugar and improve your oral health. Eating beans can help you feel more full and they help improve your digestion.

Protein

Whether you love fish, beef or eggs, all are great sources of protein. Eating protein can help stabilize the blood sugar. All you need is just 6 ounces twice a day. Protein is an ingredient for your body it helps you feel healthy.

Leafy Greens

Leafy fresh greens, such as broccoli, spinach, and Kale will help you feel better.

They have a lot of calcium which can help improve your balance including your teeth, eating more greens will help you feel better.

In order to avoid a blood sugar crash stop eating white foods that spike insulin levels, such as sugar products and packaged foods. Avoid refined sugar like candy, salad dressing, yogurt, and even prepackaged foods.

Avoid processed carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and crackers, these lower your blood sugar. Instead reach for whole-grain food whenever you can.

Good health is about being in harmony and taking care of your home, the body. This includes your blood sugar. The more you take care of yourself the better you will feel and the more you will smile.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

A new study shows that obesity and dental cavities are worse in children. The study determined that a child’s body mass index would go up as a child got older and at the same time the number of cavities also increased. Although the study was with homeless children, here at Laurelhurst Dentistry, our doctors take oral health and your children’s health to heart.

The direct link between what causes cavities and obesity is simple sugar. We have long warned patients to stay clear of foods that cause cavities such a sugar and acid drinks, like pop and soda.

These foods can stay on your teeth and eat into the enamel, which is one of the main contributors to cavities. These types of food also contribute to weight gain and obesity, especially in children.

It’s important to take care of your family’s health by addressing these issues and ensuring that your children do not become obese or have a mouthful of cavities. The good news is you can prevent both, by taking these simple steps.

Choose Healthy Fresh Food

Your family has access to healthy food and it’s important to treat and feed them with local organic foods such as fresh leafy green vegetables and protein.

Avoid Sugar

Avoid sugar and artificial snacks including packaged foods. They have high sodium, high fat content as well as sugar. These ingredients can contribute to obesity and the sugar will stain the teeth which can create more cavities. Treat your family’s health as a priority. By giving healthy snacks such as apples, fresh fruits and even yogurt.

Don’t Share Toothbrushes

Families sometimes share items. It’s easy to share toothbrushes or perhaps you forget your toothbrush and think it’s okay to maybe use your significant others. However, it is important that you do not share your toothbrush because certain dental diseases, gum disease, and oral health disease can be shared through the sharing of any type of toothbrush. Also ensure that you’re replacing your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you do not replace it often, you are just spreading bacteria and germs back around.

Visit Your Dentist

We take you and your family’s health as our number one priority. When you come and visit us we can look at possible treatments for future problems and we can help you prevent obesity and cavities from getting out of hand. Visit us today to make your appointment.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

You may have read the recent research about chlorophyll and its abundant healing properties. This ingredient is a wonder for your health.

Chlorophyll is a natural chemical that is found in greens, such as vegetables and even in algae.

A lot of health food stores now carry chlorophyll and it is becoming more popular as a dietary supplement.

We have patients who consume chlorophyll every day, and we will see the benefits in their smile. Such benefits include improved immune system, improved oxygen to the blood and even a detoxed to body as well as a healthy smile.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment that is found in all plant cells. It absorbs natural light and it will use energy to generate photosynthesis this is the process that can help carbohydrates pull from carbon dioxide.

Chlorophyll can cleanse a fatty liver as well. Some health practitioners will prescribe chlorophyll because it can increase oxygen flow in the bloodstream.

We are interested in the health care industry about the benefits; chlorophyll can be a way to help improve oral health. Many toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mint manufactures will add chlorophyll into their products.

This ingredient has been connected to improving bone structure and it can actually help improve the strength of your teeth.

Chlorophyll can help kill bad breath as well. The molecule structure of chlorophyll can help reduce foul smells, because it has magnesium and iron and he can fight off bad breath.

Chlorophyll has vitamin K in it, which can help prevent blood-clotting food that has vitamin K and it is most often found in leafy green vegetables.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

At Laurelhurst Dentistry we will always recommend brushing your teeth with the proper toothbrush. We understand that some of you prefer an electric toothbrush. It’s important to follow proper brushing guidelines so that you are getting the right care and not damaging your teeth and gums.

PROPER BRUSHING

When using an electric toothbrush, be sure to take your time. Allow the brush to do its job on each side of your teeth. When you get your routine cleaning at Laurelhurst Dentistry, do as we do and break up the brush time evenly. Try putting focus on one quadrant at a time. That way you can put more emphasis on each individual tooth and prevent rushing. You may start to notice areas that are commonly neglected.

Look out for brushing too hard with your electric toothbrush, as it could eventually cause your gums to recede. Once your gums recede, you’re potentially exposed to pain and nerve exposure. In more severe cases, there can be a loss of the tooth. The American Dental Association reccomends short gentle strokes. This is done best by holding the brush at a forty-five degree angle. Also, holding the brush at an angle away from your gum line will allow for the right amount of pressure on the enamel. You want just enough brush away buildup, yet keeping your gum line protected.

Electric toothbrushes have small heads that are purposely positioned at a forty five-degree angle for the hard to reach areas. Also make sure to use only a pea-sized dab of toothpaste to prevent a lot of foaming. Too much toothpaste foam can tempt you to spit it out and stop too early.

Be sure to return the brush to the charger when finished. It’s important to have the brush fully charged so that it’s always performing at it’s peak. Speaking of which, changing the head regularly on your electric toothbrush is very important. You will want the best performance and some heads will actually have indicators on them to let you know when it’s time to change. It’s also a good idea to switch them out after being sick with a cold or flu. Or if not a change, then soaking them in a solution such as vinegar or mouthwash. Bristles contain tiny microbes that need to be eliminated to prevent problems.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Spending about two minutes brushing your teeth is recommended. Following the procedure of breaking up the time evenly which means spending a good thirty seconds on each quadrant will deliver a nice complete brushing. Set a timer or a clock. Perhaps even sing a song which is great for children so that you stay on a good time scale.

At Laurelhurst Dentistry we always instruct brushing. Using an electric or regular toothbrush shouldn’t be that different. We recommend following the above suggestions so that your investment in an electric toothbrush will be extremely beneficial. Be sure to ask us at your next cleaning if you have any other questions.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

Your child’s baby teeth play an important role in the development of their oral health. In addition to helping your child chew, speak, and look good in family photos, baby teeth also act as a space holder in the jaw for adult teeth to develop. If your child loses their baby teeth at too young an age, it could cause crowding when adult teeth begin to form, which can lead to crooked teeth. By taking care of your child’s baby teeth, you can help ensure they enjoy a lifetime of strong teeth and healthy gums.

Signs of Decay

While many parents schedule routine checkups with their pediatrician, they often neglect to schedule visits for their child to see the family dentist. Parents may not realize that tooth decay can begin to affect their child’s baby teeth from the moment they begin to form. The American Dental Association recommends that children first visit the dentist by their first birthday, or shortly after their baby teeth begin to form, which ever happens first. Regular cleanings at an early age will allow your dentist to look for and treat any signs of tooth decay found in your child’s mouth.

Often referred to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Childhood Carries, tooth decay in small children usually occurs to the upper front teeth, but can negatively affect all of your child’s teeth. When caught early, the affects of tooth decay can be corrected, but given enough time and the damage might be irreversible. Some extreme cases of Childhood Carries require the removal of a child’s teeth. Fortunately, parents can easily prevent cavities by practicing good oral hygiene with their child.

Preventing Tooth Decay

For young children, tooth decay begins after plaque, a cavity causing bacteria, is transferred from the mouth of a parent or caregiver to a child’s. Most often this transmission of bacteria occurs when a parent places something into their mouth prior to placing the object into their child’s mouth, such as when cleaning off a spoon used for feeding or a pacifier. Once the object enters a parent’s mouth, it becomes contaminated with harmful plaque that clings to the spoon or pacifier, allowing the bacteria to enter the child’s mouth when reused.

Parents who often lay their infants down with a bottle also increase the risk of their child developing tooth decay. Plaque begins to produce an acid that slowly eats away the your teeth’s enamel after you consume any food. By laying your child down with a bottle, you provide the plaque in your child’s mouth a never-ending supply of fuel to continue to produce tooth decay causing acids. Giving a fussy baby a pacifier coated with sugar or honey can also have this same affect on the health of your child’s teeth and gums.

To help fight tooth decay, parents should consider taking the following steps:

• Resist placing anything into your mouth prior to placing the object back into your child’s. This will help to reduce the amount of plaque in your child’s mouth, and lower their risk of developing tooth decay.
• Wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp rag after each feeding. This will help clear away any small bits of food that might cling to your child’s gum and wash away plaque. Once your child begins to develop baby teeth, you should start to gently brush them with a child’s sized toothbrush. Don’t begin using toothpaste until your child has learned not to swallow during brushing.
• Parents should continue to brush their child’s teeth until they are able to tie their own shoes. Young children simply don’t have the motor coordination (and attention spans) to properly brush their own teeth.
• Avoid placing sweetened liquids, such as fruit juice or sodas, into your child’s bottle. Also, encourage your child to drink out of a regular cup, not a sippy cup, by their first birthday. Sippy cups make it easier for bacteria to pool around your child’s teeth when used for drinking.

If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, make sure to address them to any of the dentists at Laurelhurst Dentistry during your child’s next appointment.